This page contains the current Texas Master Naturalist Program governing documents, along with resources chapters may need in operating.
Texas Master Naturalist Program Policies
All members of the Texas Master Naturalist Program will adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct as established by the Texas Master Naturalist Program.
Governing Documents
Roadmap for Governing Documents
This document serves as the roadmap for the Texas Master Naturalist Program’s governing documents.
Chapter Bylaws
This state Bylaws template must be used by all Texas Master Naturalist chapters to adopt and amend their Chapter Bylaws according to Article X, Adoption and Amendment of Bylaws. The effective date of this state Bylaws template is January 1, 2023.
Chapter Management and Operations Protocols
This document is intended to provide the minimal requirements for Texas Master Naturalist chapter administration and to assist in initiating, developing, and managing a local chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program. It is intended also to clarify and amplify articles of the Chapter Bylaws and to aid in developing a local Chapter Operating Handbook.
Chapter Operating Handbook Framework
This document is intended to guide the TMN chapter in developing its own Chapter Operating Handbook (COH) in compliance with the TMN Program governing documents. The COH is a resource for all members of the chapter, detailing day-to-day operational procedures to be followed, and it should be shared with all chapter members. All local options, policies, and procedures contained in the COH must meet the requirements of Chapter Bylaws and the TMN Chapter Management and Operations Protocols.
Additional Operating Resources
Texas Master Naturalist Brand Guide
For the Master Naturalist program, establishing and maintaining a strong identity are crucial for continued success with prospective volunteers and instructors, funding agencies and potential consumers of the education and services we offer.
Chapter Records Retention Policy
The Chapters Records Retention Policy was developed to ensure full legal compliance, confidentiality of donors, accuracy and efficiency, and is to be a guide for chapters to use as they develop their local policy based on their local needs and board strategies.
TMN Insurance and Liability Protection 101
This informational page will discuss the types of insurance policies and other liability protection offerings currently available for the statewide Texas Master Naturalist Program, the suggested insurance policies each Chapter should research and those that individual Texas Master Naturalist volunteers may wish to research further on their own. This information is not intended to be legal advice, and Chapters should consult with their own attorney if they have questions about specific laws or legal requirements.
Process for Disciplining or Removing Members
This document explains the procedures that must be followed to investigate complaints and possible disciplinary action toward a member of the Texas Master Naturalist Program. It complements the general policy statement for disciplining or removing members in Chapter Management and Operations Protocols Section 8.
Guidance for Citizen Science Volunteer Service Hours
The use of apps for collecting natural history data has greatly expanded in recent years with two platforms, iNaturalist and eBird, becoming widely accepted and utilized by conservation agencies and organizations across the country and globe, including the Texas Master Naturalist Program and its sponsors, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This linked Guidance Document below is a resource of best practices to aid TMN chapters in developing a consistent application of volunteer service reporting for these platforms and those activities related to them.
Chapter Conflict of Interest (Form)
A fillable form to be used by chapters in the need for Board Attestation.
Governing Documents Feedback Form
For use in providing feedback, questions, comments about the governing documents of the Texas Master Naturalist Program.
Does your county not have a Texas Master Naturalist chapter and you are interested in starting one? Learn more here.